Change of Major & Frequently Asked Questions

First-Year Admits (Started at UC Davis)

To change your major to Electrical Engineering and/or Computer Engineering from a major in any college (including the College of Engineering), you must meet the requirements below.

General Requirements

• Be a registered UC Davis student who has completed at least one quarter (12 units)
• Be in good academic standing and meet minimum progress requirements
• Earn a letter grade of C- or better in all courses required for the engineering degree

GPA Requirements

You must meet the following minimum GPAs:

• UC GPA: 2.0+
  • Includes all courses taken at any UC
• MAT/CHE/PHY GPA: 2.0+
  • Includes only the MAT, CHE and PHY courses required by the major
• Engineering GPA: 2.0+
  • Includes all engineering courses taken in the College of Engineering

Required Courses (Minimum to Apply)

You must complete the following with C- or better:

📌 Tip: You may complete additional MAT, CHE and PHY courses to improve your GPA before applying.

Transfer Students

Step 1: Admission GPA Requirement

Before anything else, you must meet the College of Engineering admission GPA of 3.20, which applies to all required transfer coursework completed prior to UC Davis.

Step 2: General Requirements

• Complete at least one UC Davis quarter (12 units)
• Be in good academic standing
• Earn C- or better in all required courses

GPA Requirements (Post-Transfer)

• UC GPA: 2.0+
  • Includes all courses taken at any UC
• MAT/CHE/PHY GPA: 2.0+
  • Includes only the MAT, CHE and PHY courses required by the major
• Engineering GPA: 2.0+
  • Includes all engineering courses taken in the College of Engineering

Required Courses

All of the following must be completed with C- or better:

Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective Students

• Where do I check my GE requirements?
• GE advising is conducted by the Engineering Undergraduate Office (EUO). You can make an appointment or attend Express Advising
• What can I do if I am having academic difficulty, academic probation or other?
• Please take a look at the “Academic Difficulty” section under FAQ’s for more information and processes.
• How do I get to campus?
• Please see our visitor information.
• When do I apply for admission?
• Applications typically open August 1 and are due December 1 for admission the following fall. Get more information.
• Do I have to declare a major when I apply?
• Yes. You will be admitted to an engineering major when you are admitted to the college.
• What does it cost to attend UC Davis?
• View estimated annual costs of attendance at UC Davis.
• How do I apply for financial aid?
• To be considered for any form of financial aid, including grants and loans, you must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) between January 1 and March 2 of the year for which you'll need aid. Get more information on the financial aid application process at UC Davis.
• What kind of computer should I get for my ECE classes?
• View student computer recommendations for ECE classes.
• Will courses I've taken at a community college transfer to UC Davis?
• Yes. UC Davis has articulation agreements with community colleges throughout California. To ensure a course you want to take transfers, use ASSIST to check course articulation.
• How do my AP credits transfer to UC Davis?
• You will receive degree credits for AP classes in which you pass subject level AP tests. In some cases you can skip a class based on received scores, such as skipping MAT 21A and moving straight into MAT 21B if you receive certain scores on the Calculus AB / BC test. AP tests do not give you any GE credits.
• What classes should I take during my first quarter?
• Review our recommended schedules for electrical engineering students and computer engineering students.  In general, aim for a balance between major classes and a balance of GEs. Pick classes that interest you and not just classes you hear are easy. What’s easy for one person may not be easy for another; what interests your friend may bore you.
• Can I finish in four years?
• Yes, as long as you enroll in courses in the sequences recommended for EE or CE students. You should also keep in touch with your departmental staff advisor, who can help you plan your courses most efficiently. Our average time-to-degree is just over 4 years, which means most students are completing in 4 years.
• Can I participate in internships?
• Yes. Engineering students have opportunities to gain industry and/or research experience through summer internships or six-month "co-ops." You can apply what you've learned inside the classroom to the real world. The UC Davis Internship and Career Center helps students establish their graduate study and career networks. As applicable, students can also receive elective credits.